"Another reason to entrust my only son to you
can be traced back to my youth,
which I spent doing military service in Bologna.
There, I had my first experience with a woman.
This is what my son is lacking
and he is perhaps too gifted with genius.
I hope that in this unfamiliar city, where he is coming to teach,
he will encounter a goddess who will become
his faithful and life-long companion.
Affectionate regards,
Cesare Balocchi, tailor to His Excellency, the Pope."
And he'll be sharing my room?
- Welcome. - Thank you.
Our nice young professor has arrived.
Welcome.
Thank you.
This is your bed!
Dinner is at 8 o'clock sharp.
Not in pajamas.
Riccio Domenico. It's a pleasure.
Nice to meet you. Nello Balocchi, Roman.
You're from Rome!
- I'm from Naples! - Naples!
- Professor of what subject? - Latin and Greek.
- I'm a barber. - That must take great skill.
No, it's a job like any other.
Father told me not to be too trusting. He made inquiries.
- About what? - He has friends everywhere.
- Thanks to the Curia. - Inquiries about what?
- About you. - Why about me?
My Uncle Renato went to Prato to choose fabrics.
He spent one night there, sharing his room with a merchant.
When he left he was normal,
but when he came back he'd changed.
- How? - He was an invert.
Homosexual?
- Impossible! - Don't laugh.
It was a tragedy for our family.
Now they're afraid that I could change too.
This is why my father made inquiries.
Everything's in order, you're not an invert.
What are you doing?
Where can I hide this?
- What is it? - Money.
Here's the professor.
- Good evening. - He's very elegant.
- Introduce yourselves. - Welcome to Bologna.
Tina, the soup.
- No, I don't drink. - Try it.
We heard your father dressed the Pope.
He dressed Pius X, Benedetto XV and Pius XI.
- It was difficult with Benedetto XV. - Why?
Because as a safety measure during the conclave
three garments of different sizes are made up.
Benedetto XV was very thin,
so father tightened the garment with lots of pins.
Are you here to teach?
- Yes, at the Galvani school. - Where did you teach before?
I gave private lessons.
To beautiful girls, perhaps.
Just boys.
The Galvani has mixed classes.
I know.
It's a blessing and a curse.
Why a curse?
- I think that women... - Yes?
One should get to know them well before frequenting them.
But to know them well you have to frequent them.
Please, I don't drink.
It was a stupid remark, excuse me.
- You must think I'm foolish. - And the Roman women?
- Don't they intimidate you? - It depends.
On what?
On how they look at you.
- How do they look at you? - I don't know. They don't look at me.
Professor, don't be so modest.
Don't you realize he is making fun of you?
My father says that at my age he'd had many fiancées.
Excuse me. Miss?
It's a minuet by Mozart in G major,
all the Fs are sharps.
- You can play too? - A little. I'm a beginner.
As a child they'd throw me out of choirs for singing too loudly.
Play something for us.
I'm out of practice.
What does that mean?
It's Ovid.
"A blonde girl with fair skin will conquer me."
A nice prospect.
It was, once. I don't believe it any more.
I've been fascinated by Ovid's words since I was a boy.
As if they were part of me.
At the start of every school year
I'd copy them onto the first page of my diary.
Nothing's happened. And you?
I was married in Buenos Aires.
Loredana Marengo.
Twenty-six. Beautiful.
A real companion for life.
The type that makes you say, "She's the one!"
- And? - It was going well.
Heaven on Earth.
But all of a sudden, without any warning,
my whole world caved in.
- You know why? - No.
- Ask me why. - Why?
She found me in bed with her sister.
Dolores Marengo.
Twenty-one.
You had me worried.
I've got twenty stories like that!
My father's always been unfaithful to my mother.
- She's let him. - You're not like your father.
Can I consider you a friend? Do you want to know a secret?
I had a twin brother.
He was like my father.
He was outgoing and good at bookkeeping.
He should have taken over the family business.
I was destined to study.
Then he died of diphtheria.
Now I've got to do everything that he should've done.
Get married and produce an heir.
Know why I can't sleep?
I'm very frightened.
I know what's waiting for me tomorrow!
Attention!
Sit down.
This is your new teacher.
He comes from the cradle of Cicero, Livy and Seneca.
You must fulfill the expectations of your families,
of your King and country. Be good.
- What is it? - The coat hook.
Thank you.
What's he saying?
Let's ask him to speak louder.
Ask him.
You tell him.
Excuse me, Professor.
Can you speak a little louder? We can't hear a thing.
Yes, excuse me. You were right to tell me.
You've already found a defect.
I think I've lost my place.
Professor?
- You're not like the others. - I warned you about that.
Yes, but in a nice way.
Thirty days after his death,
we ask the Lord to gather up the soul of this beloved teacher.
He did much for both your cultural and spiritual growth.
"Dear parents, excellent news from Bologna.
My room-mate
is a cultured, refined and likeable man.
He is also helpful and most generous..."
Don't overdo it, I understood he's a good person.
You read it, then.
I can't read, but I haven't got your dirty habits.
Let him carry on, it was lovely.
When he talks about men, he has visions.
Let him continue. Aren't you curious?
All right.
"Everyone is my friend here.
Even my pupils show their affection with continuous applause.
They have done since my first day."
And the problem?
- With women? - Yes, that's why l sent him up north.
- Don't you think, Monsignor? - Nello should have been a priest.
That was his vocation.
And who would I leave the business to?
If poor Ubaldo was still alive
and God had taken Nello, it would've been different.
They made a mistake up there.
Don't say that! It's a sin!
Go to confession.
- You blaspheme like that every day. - It's the truth.
- It doesn't fit any more. - On Sunday I was before the Pope.
I raised my arm and everything split!
It's not my fault. In two months you've put on 10 pounds.
Stop eating with the nuns.
- If you don't want to reply, I'll go. - No, I've got to.
We enjoyed and read your letter.
Your mother and I are very pleased to know that...
"Monsignor Grancini, Monsignor Stufara and Cardinal Reggiani
have prayed that you will meet the angel you're looking for.
- We'll visit you..." - Iole wants to meet you.
- She can't wait. - Who's Iole?
- She's my lover. - She's fortunate.
- Her name's mythological. - Really?
Iole didn't want to give in to Heracles's carnal desires,
- so she jumped off the city walls. - Mine's different.
We skip the preliminaries and get straight down to the physical stuff!
No one's understood that here.
It means we're equals.
We swap this powerful energy, and then it's over.
The landlady doesn't want me to bring her here.
- I can imagine. - I bring her anyway.
- Twice a week. - How do you manage it?
Sundays and Mondays she goes to the cemetery.
- Write it down. - What?
Biraschi, the one who slept in here,
knew all about it and always helped me.
Where's Biraschi now?
- No longer with us. - Dead?
He was a wonderful person. He'd even wear a tie to go to the W.C.
- Today I did you a favor. - Me?
- I told someone about you... - Who?
You'll meet her tomorrow.
When I read as a child,
to be drawn to a novel, I needed to know more
about the author's life,
about his relationship with others.
Something that would bring him closer to me.
Understand?
- In Lucrezio's case, it was suicide. - Professor!
You want to commit suicide?
No, absolutely not. Don't hope for that!
Lucrezio's suicide may seem unjustified.
He hanged himself after taking poison.
No one has revealed to us the reasons for this.
Why that young Roman should die
without realizing his own greatness...
ignorant of his place as one of the most sensitive Latin poets.
- Perhaps... - Perhaps?
- Perhaps he did it for love. - Yes, perhaps.
It's a hypothesis.
We could read "De Rerum Natura"
to try and discover the reasons for this terrible act.
We can investigate by analyzing the verses.
How are you?
Come in, I was expecting you.
Sit down.
You'll see how nice she is.
Manicure!
Can I give this to you?
- Emanuela. Nice to meet you. - Nello Balocchi. My pleasure.
- You bite your nails. - I do it without realizing.
- Perhaps I do it in my sleep. - I wouldn't do it to such nice hands.
- They're not that nice. - You'll see.
I'll tidy them up and you'll see.
Look at your luckline.
It goes on forever.
Put your other hand here. I won't think badly of you.
And Nello's short for...?
Yes, for...
It's short for what name?
Lionello.
Nello suits you better.
- How does mine suit me? - Very well.
It gives a different idea of me.
Like I was a mystery!
Yes, as if you were a mystery.
But I'm just an ordinary girl.
Everyone says I seem like a mystery,
but I'm very ordinary.
If your hand slips, grip tighter, I won't break.
Let's start with the little finger. Did you know it's the craftiest?
- Are you going on a date? - It seems like it.
- When? - For dinner.
- Where? - "ll Brun". She chose it.
- She said she always goes. - "ll Brun"?
She's never been there! It's expensive!
A girl like that deserves it.
From next week, we might be closed for a while.
- Had some bad luck? - No, we're going up north.
News of the professor?
Read the telegram, but slowly!
Don't swallow the words and don't get over-excited!
"Met Emanuela. Stop.
Pretty, sweet. Attracted. Stop.
Dinner tonight. Stop.
Perhaps your presence is desirable
for official introduction. Stop.
Love, Nello."
- What does "attracted" mean? - She's got the hots for Nello!
He's my son, it had to happen sooner or later!
Goodnight. See you tomorrow.
Go for it!
- Everyone's looking at us. - They're for you.
- Thank you. - I booked a table at "ll Brun".
The table you wanted.
Listen, I've been thinking.
I'm not sure I want to go to dinner.
If you've changed your mind, it's not a problem.
It's not because of you, I'm the crazy one.
When I saw you sitting there yesterday,
it was different, you had a different effect on me.
I understand you very well.
If I were a girl, I'd feel the same.
- Come off it! - It's not just a quip.
Even if I make them often, especially when I'm sad.
Can I take these to my mother?
Yes. Give her my regards.
She died six years ago.
My condolences.
Thank you.
- Thank you for the company. - Good-bye.
Good morning.
She's nice, eh? My Iole.
Yes. Very nice. Very, very nice.
You're making me blush.
He knows the history of names.
- He speaks Latin like a native. - Well, not really.
Really? I'd like to hear someone speak Latin.
No one speaks it at the factory.
Let her hear some.
What was that? A dirty joke?
It's Saint Thomas's theological summation.
"One intense effort of the soul impedes another".
- Lovely! - I'd better leave now.
Stay! Talk some more Latin! Tell him to stay!
Tell us another one.
No, another time.
And if I ask you?
All right, then. I'll mark the homework.
- Perhaps it's best if I leave. - If you want.
Go for a nice long walk! Very, very long!
I'm a fool. I should have spoken Latin to Emanuela.
Or perhaps Greek.
Yes, I'll speak Greek to the next one.
Which is best? Pindar or Archilochus?
And if I try Aeschylus?
My fiancée's very taken with you.
- Are you just being kind? - No, it's true.
I'm pleased. I like her very much too.
She asked a lot of questions about you.
She wanted to know where you come from, what family.
In a word, everything.
Questions about me?
Yes. I told her you're on your own
and looking for your soul mate. She had an idea.
Tell me.
It'll seem a bit funny, but it's a good idea.
- I'm curious. - lole's got a sister.
- Really? - A little bit older than her.
- About fifteen years. - A little bit.
- But she's much cleverer than Iole. - Yes?
She's educated. She knows every book by heart!
- All of them! - Wonderful!
- She's called Miriam. - A biblical name.
- She was Herod's sister. - She's called Miriam.
Has she been widowed long?
This is the best part!
She's never been married or engaged!
She's never had a lover. She's pure.
Like the water in that glass.
Beautiful, educated and pure!
Beautiful, educated, pure
and sightless!
- Sightless? - She's blind.
But she's very sensitive!
She hears everything! And don't even mention smells.
If God made the blind, it must have been for a reason!
- Perhaps. - What could it be?
- I don't know. - No one knows.
My colleague married one. They've got two children.
She's pregnant again!
They're a very close family!
- They're waiting to serve dinner. - We're coming.
Meet her. It'll do you good.
It'll be a Sunday that's different from all the others of your life.
- Welcome. - Come in.
Come in and sit down.
Men on the right.
Here she is. That's her.
Here we are.
This Sunday is the feast of... Of who, sister?
Of Saint Valerie.
Saint Valerie!
Let us welcome these friends
who will now introduce themselves to our girls.
Music!
This is my sister.
Miriam, this is the professor from Rome that I told you about.
- Nice to meet you. - Nice to meet you.
You have your hands manicured like women do?
See how sensitive she is?
Your hands are chubby!
Don't say those words!
If she says certain sounds, she springs a little leak!
But it's avoidable.
- There are only a few of those. - Of course.
Why not dance?
- Are you sightless too? - No, why?
You can't dance.
I know, I should take lessons.
You're a bit clumsy!
Excuse me.
- Not enjoying yourself? - I am. Very much.
- You're not dancing? - It's just that...
- The toilet? Down there. - Thank you.
Who is it?
- Sighted or sightless? - Sighted.
- You're not from here. - No, Rome.
- A soldier. - No, I teach.
- What? - Latin and Greek.
- At the Galvani? - Yes.
- I went there. Class three A. - I teach in section B.
- Is Gibertoni still the principal? - I believe so.
- He was in love with me. - Really?
I think he was married and had two or three children.
He used to leave messages in my homework.
- You were quoting Ovid. - Yes.
One of his favorites. Do you know Guido Beccalis?
- No. Does he teach there? - No.
But he's well known in Bologna.
We should have married, but one Sunday afternoon...
- Do you know what a tandem is? - Of course.
My friend Pierina and I went for an outing.
We fell on the tramlines.
I fainted and stayed like that for a week.
I saw everything hazily.
I pretended to see Guido, but I could only see a shadow.
Then I spent three months in a Swiss clinic.
They told me that miracles do happen,
but I realized they were deceiving me.
I preferred to return to Bologna, to my home.
I've been shut up in this prison for a week,
learning the role of the blind girl. But one day, I'll get out.
- Where to? - I don't know.
- And Guido? - He vanished. Like my sight.
I lost them both during one summer.
- You're very brave. - Know what I miss?
I don't know.
If you can guess, you can kiss me!
Ever kissed a blind girl whose name you don't know?
I don't remember.
My name's Angela.
You can only have the prize if you guess.
The thing I would most like to see is...
Come on, you're almost there.
I'll have to kiss a Roman.
Yourself?
Very good. Well done!
I'd give anything to see myself again.
Like I used to do every morning,
in front of the mirror.
- How come you know women so well? - I don't know.
Don't you want the prize?
- No, it was too easy. - No, it wasn't at all.
Now I have to pay up.
Where are you?
Well?
It's the first time I've betrayed Guido.
Me too.
- I've bewitched you forever! - What do you mean?
Now you're mine forever, wherever I go.
By night, by day, in lightning, in fog
you'll respond to my call.
- Do I make you laugh? - On the contrary.
- I once had this power. - You still do.
It's kind of you to say so.
- You'll do everything I want? - Yes, always.
What are you doing?
An experiment.
Excuse me. 'Til tomorrow.
I don't know if it's right.
No one does. We're talking about one of the most mysterious Latin poets.
Go ahead.
I found this.
It's the sixth book, right?
Translate.
Calliope, thou expert muse,
show me the path to the immaculate goal of the final destination.
So?
The notes refer to "goal" as the conclusion of the work.
I think that Lucrezio meant it as the conclusion of his life.
He's announcing his suicide.
- What's your name? - Dagnini.
Well done. It's one of the clues we're looking for.
Anyone else?
- Me. - Yes.
In the fourth book of "De Rerum Natura".
- Professor Balocchi? - Yes.
My daughter Angela spoke to me about you.
To what must I attribute your readiness to help?
Nothing.
She seemed to be interested
in pursuing some classical studies that were interrupted.
Angela? She was always so ignorant!
She never read. She could only flirt with the professors.
I'm her father, I adore her.
- Her condition causes me great pain. - She seemed eager to learn.
You have the face,
the ways and the voice... of a good person.
Thank you.
You're the opposite of the type she falls for.
Thank you.
Do you know why she's in there?
To learn to live with her disability.
Because the sisters, the instructors,
are teaching her to read, to write and to move around.
To use cutlery, pour a drink, get into the bathtub, cross a road.
To become totally independent.
- Do you follow me? - Of course.
But after only a week there
she feels nostalgic for her studies. Does that seem believable?
I don't know.
What you feel for my daughter...
- is just human sympathy? - Yes, very much so.
- Nothing else? - Are you joking?
Her specialty is making men fall in love with her...
- so she can enjoy leaving them. - You think I'll fall for it?
Yes, that's why I've warned you.
- As you wish. - May I trust you?
Of course.
Forward... forward.
Come over here. Forward. This way. Good.
Forward...
The stick brushes against the obstacles.
But not like that!
- She was notified. - Thank you.
I'm here.
Me too.
Your hand, please.
- I'm happy. - Me too.
I thought we could do the following, if you agree.
At four, there's a talk
on Guido Guinizelli and the "Dolce Stil Novo".
- At six... - Whose is this carriage?
- Sorry? - You've not hired it.
So we can go anywhere we want?
If we wish, yes.
I say we pass by the hunting club.
It's full of interesting people at this hour.
Then, who knows?
It must cost a fortune. You're rich, right?
Rich?
No other professor at the Galvani had their own carriage.
I like rich people.
- You think badly of me, right? - No, why?
Well, how rich are you?
I don't know. It depends on my father, my mother...
On Uncle Renato.
They drew up a bequest in my name,
but first they've all got to die.
- Not all on the same day. - I'm sure!
It was a quip.
I make lots of them,
but if you don't like them, I'll stop.
I think that's best.
- Welcome back, Miss Gardini. - Thank you.
- Did someone recognize me? - No.
- Are they looking at me? - No.
- Is there somewhere to sit? - Yes, here.
Maria Rosa, look. She's back.
Know who this is?
- Is it him? - Take a good look.
Memorize it. It's important.
Are we here for him?
It's over between Guido and I, don't you remember?
- I thought I'd bewitched you. - You have.
- So you'll help me? - How?
By going round.
He's always here at this hour.
Maybe he saw me and is keeping his distance.
Is everything in order? Hair? Make-up?
No, you're beautiful.
Where were you?
- In a clinic in Zurich. - When did you get back?
Ten days ago. I've run away.
Couldn't you let us know?
Problems with father.
- There's a new development. - What?
I'll go.
- Yes, of course. - Who's he?
No one. Tell me.
It's Guido. At the moment...
- Excuse me. - Don't mention it.
- He's not here. - I know, thanks.
- How much is it? - There's no hurry.
Where is it?
He's marrying that whore, Doris!
- My worst enemy! - I'm sorry.
- You don't know her reputation! - I can imagine!
Doris is a biblical name. She was Herod's wife.
She's been to bed with half of Bologna and they're marrying in church!
It's the Gardini girl.
So, it's true that she's back!
Who's he?
She'll have found him in Switzerland.
Can you see him? Isn't he here either?
No, I don't think so.
- It's not possible. - Is that Edgardo?
Yes, miss!
- How thrilling! - I knew you'd come back!
Edgardo and his wife worked for my grandmother.
Gina has made the brulé you're so fond of.
- As if she knew! - Do you like brulé?
- I don't drink wine. - It's good. It's made with vodka.
From 1908, the Czar's favorite year.
- For two? - No, for me...
Did you know he's getting married?
- Yes. - And you know who to?
- Is he here? - He was here last night.
With her?
Sir! Sir!
Where did I put it?
- What? - The money!
In the jug.
Miriam's very upset.
She was just getting fond of you
and you abandoned her.
- She wants to see you again. - It's not possible.
- Met someone else? - No. Yes... perhaps.
If she's not blind,
there's no harm done.
Why?
If Miriam finds out you left her for another blind girl
- how will she feel? - I don't know.
Good evening, Miss Gardini.
- Good evening. - Welcome back.
- Thank you. - Just a moment.
Giuliano, show them to a good table.
This way, please.
Look who's here.
- Is he here? - I don't think so.
He'll come sooner or later.
Angela! It's me, Maria!
- Hello. How are you? - Very well, thank you.
Angela, you've come back!
- Yes. - You could have let me know.
- I didn't think you'd care. - Why?
- I didn't receive an invitation. - To what?
Your wedding.
- Doris hasn't decided... - Have you met my fiancée?
He's from Rome. Professor Otello.
- No, Nello. Nello Balocchi. - My pleasure.
Guido Beccalis.
- Nice to meet you. - I'll go back to my table.
Kiss Doris for me.
Tell her I'm happy for her.
- You couldn't have chosen better. - I'll tell her.
- You're always more beautiful. - Leave me alone.
Why did you introduce me as your fiancée?
I didn't mean to hurt you, sorry.
You didn't hurt me. Not at all.
Will you forgive me?
Yes, of course.
Would you hold my hand?
- As hard as you can? - Why?
- Would you do it? - Yes.
Harder. Harder, please.
- Have you a handkerchief? - Yes.
Here.
Are you feeling better?
Yes, I think so.
- Let's continue the game. - What game?
Find Enzo, the head waiter.
- Enzo? - Yes.
Tell him that Miss Gardini would like that thing.
- What thing? - That thing. He knows.
- Are you still here? - I'm going.
- To Enzo, that thing? - Well done.
- But you mustn't cry any more. - All right.
- Enzo, the head waiter? - At the dessert table.
- Excuse me. - Yes?
Miss Gardini would like that thing.
My compliments! I'll see to it.
- Thank you. - Thank you, sir.
- Well? - It's done.
You're about to have an extraordinary adventure.
Tomorrow, all Bologna will be talking about you.
- That thing. - Thank you. Please stay.
- A handsome tip. - Of course.
- Understand? - No.
There's a staircase at the end of the room.
- Yes, so? - When Guido's watching, we'll go.
- Where? - Upstairs.
- Everyone will see us! - Let's hope so.
Is he looking?
Come on.
- Has he seen us? - Yes.
Will you do me another favor? The last one, I promise.
What?
Near the door there's a phone.
Order two bottles of champagne.
When they arrive, turn off the light.
Open the door bare-chested.
We'll leave them in no doubt.
All this for a man you don't care about any more.
It's the last favor, I swear.
All right.
This is room 114.
Two bottles of champagne, please.
Thank you.
- The bed's here, right? - Yes.
How do you know?
Hotel beds are more exciting, right?
Lie down here.
Come on. We're not doing anything wrong.
- You know, I'm getting fonder. - Of who?
Of you.
Something makes you more and more attractive.
Come closer.
Tomorrow you can say we were in bed together.
- I like you very much. - Tell me something intimate.
This morning...
- No, it's stupid. - No, tell me.
This morning I tried to walk in the dark.
I tried to do everything with my eyes closed.
- Why? - To understand you better.
- How was it? - It didn't seem so awful.
- Would you like to be like me? - Perhaps, yes.
- So you'd prefer not to see me. - No, not that. Never.
I hadn't thought of that.
But I like the fact that you don't see me.
- Now it's your turn. - Those in my situation...
sometimes have the need to be taken out of themselves.
And to feel they're in the hands of someone stronger.
- Do you know what I mean? - Yes.
Like a storm that carries you to an unknown destination,
making you lose your anguish and sense of reality.
You've not had many sentimental experiences.
No, not many.
But at least one important one?
A manicure in Bologna last week.
It's just that...
The champagne. Quickly, undress. Switch out the light.
I can understand the motive for this farce.
You're the laughing stock of half of Bologna.
Come on. We're leaving.
Let's go!
Let me go!
- Good-bye, Professor. - Let me go!
- Who is it? - Your champagne, sir.
Champagne to celebrate.
If you need me, tomorrow I'm free.
What's up?
Sorry if I woke you.
I'm sorry, but the story of the blind girl has a follow-up.
- If it makes you happy... - Her father found us in a hotel room.
He said it's caused a scandal,
because all of Bologna knows
and she's ruined.
- And? - Nothing, I...
I'm in love with her, and I can't do without her.
Even if Angela always talks about someone else,
she's left me a ray of hope.
Her father's very strict and he threatened me.
- It's a sob story! - What?
They want to trap you so you'll really marry her.
- How can you be so sure? - Who'd marry a girl like her?
Be realistic. Where will they find another fool like you?
But you introduced me to a blind girl who spits!
Don't swing your behind like that when you're on your bicycle.
- You want the dead to know too? - I'm here to do you a favor.
What would that be?
- It's from Nello. - "Met Angela. Stop.
Very beautiful. Stop. Very special. Stop.
Spent all savings. Stop.
Send more money. Stop. Love, Nello."
- How much did we give him? - A fortune.
What does "very special" mean?
That she's spent all his money.
- Stand. - Sit down.
- Checcacci. - Present.
The late Professor Osti tested you twice on your Latin.
- Isn't that so? - Yes.
Here I see an "unprepared" and a four.
But three days ago, Professor Balocchi
actually gave you an eight!
- Eight! - Yes, I believe so.
- What book are you studying? - The second.
Read and translate.
But this isn't the "Aeneid", it's not Virgil!
No, it's Lucrezio. "De Rerum Natura".
A suicidal maniac with venereal disease!
Read Lattanzio and you'll see why it's not in our program.
Professor, is there a reason for your insubordination?
I became passionate about Latin through Lucrezio.
I thought the students would too.
- I didn't think I'd displease you. - Please go.
I'll tell you something that will perhaps please you.
I know a girl who studied here.
She said you left love letters in her homework.
Perhaps you remember her? Angela Gardini.
- Beautiful, long hair... - Her?
- How do you know her? - There's a strong bond.
- With her? - At least on my part.
Well, then, you don't know her or what she's capable of!
Get away from her, disappear!
- May I help you? - I'd like to see Miss Gardini.
- It's not possible. - Why?
Ask her father. He's in the office downstairs.
- I mustn't let anyone in. - I'm her friend.
It's not possible. I'm sorry.
Please.
What's the problem?
Your daughter.
You dare come here after what happened?
Because of that, Angela won't be invited anywhere!
You caused a disaster.
I'm hopelessly in love with your daughter.
No one in literature has described similar feelings.
It's a serious case.
- How old are you? - 35.
- Last birthday. - It's not a serious case.
You're too immature for your age.
I'm immature.
You think your immaturity will make my daughter happy?
I want to marry her. At least try.
But she still loves that idiot!
- Tastes change, don't they? - No, not Angela's.
Every season she renews her whole wardrobe.
Summer in Rimini, winter in the Alps, autumn at Lake Garda.
You think you could give her all that,
on your teacher's wages?
The next patient.
I'm saying this for your own good,
keep looking around.
Perhaps you'll find the right girl for you.
A simpler girl.
- I sincerely hope so. - I don't think one exists.
Good-bye.
Votes for women means politics in the bedroom!
It's better suited to another activity!
It they'd allowed it, what'd be left for us?
Death in war. But these women don't lay claim to that.
- What do you think, Professor? - Of what?
- Votes for women? - I don't know.
I wouldn't tell you anyway.
- Anything wrong? - No.
Yes, lots of things.
And to top it all there's the negation of music and pitch!
Good morning, Professor.
My idea of studying Lucrezio was not appreciated.
I wasn't appreciated either.
Both Lucrezio and I have been rejected.
Scrap everything we've done.
The notes, theories and translations. Everything.
We've got to start again.
Take the first canto of the "Aeneid".
- How that's possible? - It's possible. Go on.
Let's read.
He's asleep!
Professor.
Excuse me. A letter for you.
Excuse me. This letter has flustered me.
I can't continue the lesson.
I must absent myself for personal reasons.
- Are you coming back? - It depends.
Definitely to say good bye.
My hat... See you soon.
Please.
That gentleman's here, miss.
Already? Incredible.
- Let him in. - Please, come in.
Good morning.
- You came immediately. - Yes, as soon as I could.
- May I go? - Yes, Maria. Regards to the children.
All right. If you need anything, call down to Taddeo.
- Thanks. Have a nice trip. - Good-bye.
Father wants me to go to my mother's in Milan.
It's my final night here, I wanted to tell you.
After what I made you do, you asked to marry me!
You have done such a wonderful thing!
Few men would have done the same.
- I didn't do anything. - You did a lot.
I did it because l like you.
I'd do it again. I'd do it every day.
- Even twice a day. - Thank you.
I know you still love him.
Perhaps you always will.
Perhaps he'll come looking for you one day.
Probably you'll have an affair.
It'll be a lovely day for you.
But I'd still like to marry you.
With those predictions, marrying me will only increase your suffering!
- I have no alternative. - Why?
The place where I don't love you doesn't exist.
And if it did, I wouldn't go.
I like it like this.
Being in love with you
is the only thing that has made me feel alive.
The only thing.
If you want it or not.
Is it dark outside?
Yes, it's almost evening.
Can you turn off the lamp? It's on, right?
Can you turn it off?
- Can you see me? - More or less.
- Now we're equals. - Yes, almost.
Would you like to sleep with me?
- Me? - Yes, tonight.
- And your father? - He's in Florence.
- The lady who answered the door? - At her family's.
I'm alone till tomorrow.
I don't expect other girls have asked you like this.
- You pity me, don't you? - No.
It's to say good-bye before I vanish.
Will you help me undress or do you want to leave?
I'll help you willingly.
It's difficult to undo the hooks.
The habits of the Ursuline order have these.
A different make, but similar.
- You're trembling. - A bit.
- It can't be your first time! - I think it is.
- I'm happy. - What for?
That it's your first time. It'll be a bit like that for me too.
- Aren't you undressing? - Yes.
It's freezing.
Hurry, I'm cold here on my own.
- May I? - Of course.
- It's lovely, isn't it? - Yes.
Come Oh, warm me Up.
My feet are freezing. Can I put them on your stomach?
Of course.
They're just cold feet on your warm stomach!
I know.
So stop trembling.
Try to calm down.
Don't be afraid.
Can you control yourself?
You've got to be sensible.
Keep your wits about you.
- What's 13 plus 9? - 40.
No, it's not 40.
Do you want it to be fine?
And have good memories of tonight?
- The two of us, alone? - Yes.
Well, you mustn't be in too much of a rush
and you must do what I say.
- What you tell me. - Don't take the initiative.
- I won't take the initiative. - Good.
We have the whole night ahead of us.
It has to happen calmly.
Something will tell us when the right moment arrives.
Do you want to talk for a bit?
Tell me about what you've wanted but never had.
It's difficult.
Try, go on.
All right.
A true friend.
A real fiancée.
A life belt that never deflates.
It was a quip.
I'm pleased you liked that one.
Now you've got a girl all to yourself.
Do you want me more than the friend or the life belt?
Much more.
Do you know what I'd like?
To see in your eyes how much you want me.
- Are you crying? - A little.
- Why? - Just because.
Come here.
Come on.
That's right.
Not like that.
Yes, like that.
Where are you?
Here.
Is it morning already?
Why did you get up?
I wanted to see the start of the worst day of my life.
What's the matter?
I don't want to leave.
I don't want to leave here.
Hold me tightly.
As hard as you can.
- Were you happy last night? - Yes.
- Me too. - It's not true.
I don't want to lose you.
You're just saying that because you don't want to leave.
- Do you want me to leave? - No, I don't.
Otello, I want to surprise you.
You'll see. I swear.
I'll be a wife capable of surprising you.
Nello.
Cesare!
- You're sure Cesare's up here? - I think so. An hour ago.
Cesare!
Where are you? I've got important news for you!
- What news? - What are you doing in the dark?
It's you. I was worried.
He was showing me some lining.
Yes, some lining. I know what you were doing.
I'm sorry you got the wrong idea.
- What's the news? - A telegram from Nello.
- Another? - It's special!
Don't moan all the time!
"Deepened acquaintance with Angela Gardini. Stop.
Last night she realized marriage necessary. Stop.
Beautiful, sweet, singular. Stop.
Your presence urgently required for introduction. Stop.
Love, Nello."
Come here.
Are you talking to me... or to her?
You, mother of the groom! Come here!
I've treated you badly.
I've treated you too badly.
But this is wonderful news. I don't deserve it.
You've got to forgive me!
Don't cry, you've got to be happy.
Forgive me.
Long live the groom!
Give me a kiss!
Nello!
Where's the luggage? Ah, it's there.
There used to be a brothel there. Wish there still was!
Then there's the Falcone place and the one on Via delle Oche.
Wonderful!
You know the Torleone place?
No, not yet.
What's Angela like?
Why did you write that she was singular?
Because she is.
She's beautiful, but special.
For some it'd be a defect, but for me it's a strength.
What is it, that you can't tell us?
Poppa, Momma.
This is Angela.
- She's beautiful! - Like a painting!
Angela, my parents.
Nice to meet you.
Didn't he tell you I'm blind?
Of course!
So why are you so quiet?
- It's just that... - What?
We're tired from the journey.
It's along way from Rome!
- You're Cesare, aren't you? - Yes.
Do you prefer poppa or daddy?
I don't know. As you like. I don't know what to say.
- You choose. - Momma Lina's here too.
I smell essence of violets.
It's me. l put on my brother's cologne by mistake.
- But she is here. - Yes.
Say something, she's talking to you!
- I'm here. - Will you give me your hand?
Oh, all right, then!
Don't you like me? Were you expecting a different girl?
No, I like you.
We're not used to seeing Nello with girls...
We expected someone different.
- Someone who could see! - Let's not exaggerate!
- Different in what way? - More common.
More like us.
- More ordinary. - It's a compliment.
I don't know.
May I kiss you?
Yes, if you like.
You may.
If we'd known, we would not ever have come!
- "...would never have come." - Don't correct your father.
Listen to what he's saying.
You made us come all this way, to give us a big surprise!
I even asked the Cardinal for help to get you moved here!
And you take up with a blind girl!
Nello, you couldn't have caused me more heartache!
Let's hope the Pope doesn't find out.
He'll go crazy!
He won't want any more Easter outfits!
How's it possible!
How's it possible, I say!
I'll have grilled meat and chicory tips.
The chef recommends grenouilles frites.
- What? - Fried frogs, our specialty.
It's your specialty, but I'm better off without it.
Fine, thank you.
They serve cockroaches on Saturdays!
Remember what it's like being in love?
You think I remember? You tell him!
Of course he remembers!
- You know how old I am? - Too old.
Too old to still be in this state.
Just for once, I find a girl who wants me!
That's because no one wants her!
Is there anyone blind in our family? Anyone at all?
Do you have a blind relative?
Not even sightless.
The only one I can remember played the accordion at the Pantheon.
- He's dead. - There. That's the lot.
Believe me, I'm not a bad person.
Otherwise I wouldn't have outfitted three Popes.
I've got nothing against the blind.
If nature's punished them, they need to be helped.
We provide hospices and dogs,
but we mustn't marry them!
You'd better come back to Rome. This is not a place for you.
I'm not coming back.
Not even if he orders you to?
No, I've decided.
Angela and I will live here.
She will never leave Bologna.
Who are the portraits of in the shop?
Great-granddad, granddad and then you.
Mine's the last one.
The shop'll close forever. Let's shut it down.
Someone else will dress the Pope!
You don't know what it means to wait in front of the Sistine Chapel
to find out who's the new Pope.
When the decision is made, St. Peter's Square shakes like an earthquake
because white smoke is coming out of the chimney.
Everyone is running, the doors open and you see this decrepit old man
sweating, crying, shaking, laughing, in disbelief,
while two cardinals feel down there to make sure he's a man.
They give him to you naked and you have to dress him.
All in white.
Nello, it's you who makes him Pope!
While you dress him in white, he changes.
His way of looking, his way of offering his ring
because you have to kiss it.
Everyone runs and kneels down
and he's taken to the balcony for the world to see him.
When the window opens...
You want to give up all that
to stay in this cold weather, with a blind girl,
to eat frogs!
I'm coming.
Dad...
You said you knew what being in love meant.
- Cesare, give him that thing. - Yes.
- It's double the amount. - Thank you.
- Let us know the date. - Of what?
- The wedding. - So you'll come!
Thanks.
- We haven't even hugged! - What?
We've not even hugged!
What did you say?
Please.
- Is it the eye specialist? - Yes.
Where is the young lady?
In her father's office.
- Is she still alive? - Of course!
I heard yelling.
- Has something happened? - It's incredible! Come down.
Pack the bags,
- my daughter and I are leaving tonight. - All right.
You're here.
Come in.
Well, Doctor?
Excuse me, but no one told me what...
- Is it you? - Yes.
A short while ago,
Maria came in with a lamp.
I saw a bit of light!
You should have stayed in Switzerland.
You should have completed the therapy.
As everyone advised you.
You and your father would have had fewer worries.
Are you happy?
- Of course. - Maybe this ordeal's ending.
Well?
If you hadn't had this terrible experience,
you'd never have noticed me.
- Your father wants you to come down. - I'm coming.
Shouldn't we embrace?
You're hurting me!
Are you crazy?
You're hurting me!
Are you crazy?
I'm sorry.
Just think, when I get back I'll be able to see you!
I'll find out how ugly you are!
Will you do your fiancée a favor before she leaves?
- What? - Come closer, so they won't hear.
Will you do it?
- Will you do it? - I don't know.
Good-bye.
I'll wait for you.
Good-bye, miss.
And good luck!
Good-bye, miss.
Good evening.
- Are you Angela's new fiancé? - Yes.
- It's kind of you to visit me. - I have a message for you.
- From Angela? - Yes.
Come in, we can listen to the gramophone.
No, I must inform you... of something extraordinary.
What?
She's sensed the presence of light.
It's a continuous sensation.
It happened because of the cure started in Switzerland...
She'll see again?
Angela's getting her sight back?
It's not certain, but she's gone to Zurich with her father.
- She wanted you to know. - What exactly?
- What's happening. - Why did she send you?
She didn't say.
I must be going.
- Good-bye. - Good-bye.
- You're very kind. - Don't mention it.
Don't you want to listen to the gramophone?
No, thanks. I already heard it.
I'm coming.
- It's you. - Hello.
Sorry to bother you. I'd like some news.
- Did you talk to her father? - They said he's not in.
- If you know anything... - The cure's going well.
She's making progress.
She's in Switzerland. Her father's here for a few days.
He goes back tomorrow. It's a miracle.
Certainly.
If you have to send her anything,
please send this letter. It's the third one this month.
- All right. - Thank you. Good-bye.
Is she patron saint of the blind?
- Has she answered prayers? - Lots of them.
My fiancée is sightless.
Pray to Saint Lucy, but with pure intent.
Like you were asking something of your mother.
Your fiancée will see like the blind in the Gospels.
- It's not like that. - What?
I want Saint Lucy to keep her like she is.
For ever.
- Blind? - If possible.
I love her very much.
It's the only way I won't lose her.
Are you sick in the head?
No, I don't think so, yet.
I don't know who to turn to so as not to lose her.
- Good morning, Professor. - Good morning.
- What's that? - Catullus.
"Throw open the doors, come, maiden,
and see how brightly the torch flames burn in the wind."
It's beautiful.
Professor Balocchi!
Come with me. I have news for you! Perhaps we're saved!
Come in.
Look.
GIRL MARRIES DOCTOR WHO RESTORED HER SIGHT
Impossible! So soon!
Impossible!
Are you all right?
Professor!
I thought it was good news!
I have just received some terrible news.
I'm not able to stand it.
I don't know what to do.
I can't stay in this city any more.
I can't even stand living here for another day.
You must forgive me.
You made me believe I was teaching you something.
That I was becoming a real professor.
- Thank you. - Thank you.
Perhaps we can help you.
- Thank you. - You're not alone,
we're here with you. We can be near you.
It's not possible, thank you.
What'll we do without you?
- Good morning, everybody! - Good morning.
- Well? - He's very good at embroidery!
- Let me see. - It's not finished.
Give it to me.
Look at this!
We had Michelangelo at home and we didn't know!
He'll steal your jobs from you!
- Lella taught you everything. - Yes.
Every type of stitch.
No, I meant...
I meant she's not one to let slip away!
She's got perfect eyesight!
You don't just have to talk about embroidery.
You can touch on other subjects.
She's got a passion for you!
When she sees you, her legs shake.
- Poppa, she's getting on! - Trust me!
She's still young enough to have a tribe of children.
Anyway, you don't have to make any decisions.
With time, in the future...
Think how happy you'd make your poor mother!
He can try the robes for the Feast of the Immaculate Conception.
If he doesn't lose his patience like last month.
Perhaps not, then.
This way, gentlemen.
He won't like this. Too much embroidery!
You did it in the style of your friends.
Someone with needle and thread!
We've only got two hands!
- You go. - Me?
It can't be that difficult.
Take the sewing box.
Show them who we are.
This way, please.
Excuse us.
It's the official presentation of new diplomats.
Please hurry, there's little time.
Thank goodness!
The seam ripped as I got out of the car.
My husband's very nervous.
He doesn't want to miss the presentation of the Swiss diplomats.
Aren't you going to help me?
Did you understand?
- His Holiness is coming. - I'm coming.
Finished?
It's fine like this.
Thank you.
This way, please.